dietary evolution

[Guest guest]

If humans descended from a line of pure " leaf eaters, " we wouldn't

have such a problem with B-12 deficiency on a vegan diet. B-12 is

the only nutrient required by humans that cannot be obtained with a

purely plant-based diet. Unfortunately, B-12 is absolutely necessary

for health and it is not easily absorbed in tablet form. Even

carnivorous humans often start running low on B-12 as they get older,

and there are some theories that some of the neurological impairments

of old age may actually be related to B-12 deficiency. Without

adequate B-12, the body does not produce sufficient red blood cells

and one becomes anemic, but there are other symptoms. Vegan

theorists claim people can obtain enough B-12 without relying on

animal products or vitamin supplements if they refrain from washing

their vegetables so that there is increased dietary dirt, which may

contain B-12 producing organisms; however, that isn't exactly

appealing to most folks, especially when E.coli contamination is

often fatal nowadays. While primates are largely vegetarian, most

consume bugs and/or eggs, and many species eat meat. It would be

interesting and useful if someone could study the sources of B-12 in

natural primate diets. It might provide some clues about the food

preferences of proto-humans. While there is no arguing that veganism

is the most ethical diet for humans, because of the B-12 problem, it

is a stretch to say that the vegan diet is the most " natural " for

humans.

 

 

--

Kim Bartlett, President of Animal People, Inc.

Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 960, Clinton WA 98236 U.S.A.

email <ANPEOPLE web-site: http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/

We believe that the Golden Rule applies to animals, too.